The Lord is near! Prepare the way of the Lord!
All people everywhere, let us make ready to enter God's presence.
For the Lord is holy, pure, and righteous.
God's glory fills this place.
God calls us to truth, mercy and peace.
Hearts that are just and kind please God.
Let us enter God's presence with humility.
All: The Lord is near! Prepare the way of the Lord!

*Hymn of Hope #135 Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

*For those who are able, please stand.

Around the Advent Wreath - The Zietsman Family

READER: This is the first Sunday in Advent. Today we light one purple candle, the Candle of Hope. Advent is a time of waiting and hoping. We wait for the day when we celebrate again the birth of Jesus. We hope that everyone will come to know God and to worship God.

(First candle is lit.)

READER: The first candle reminds us of God's promise to send a Savior to the people. The prophet, Isaiah, wrote about God fulfilling the promises he made to care for his people. God is loving and just. God brings peace. This gives us hope, and we look forward to the time when everything is fair, when the world is at peace, and all people are treated justly. Let us read Isaiah 2:1-5 responsively:

PEOPLE: In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be estab-lished as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.

READER: Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob.

PEOPLE: He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.

READER: They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.

PEOPLE: Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

READER: Let us pray: Dear God: Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for the words of the prophet Isaiah that remind us that you are the source of our hope. Help us to walk in the light of the Lord.

ALL: Amen.

Allowing God to Shape Us

Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon Psalm 25

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.

Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.

For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.

The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.

My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.

Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me!

Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.

Offering/Video Teaser, As I Stand - Film to be shown at this coming 1st Friday Dinner

*Doxology and Offering Prayer (Unison)

Lord, you have blessed us with the dew and the rain; with the finest the sun brings forth; with the choicest gifts of the mountains and hills; with the fruitfulness of the earth; and with the comfort of your sovereign power. With thankful hearts, we gladly bring our offerings to be used in your service. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer and The Lord's Prayer

*Hymn of Promise #133 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn My Friends May You Grow in Grace

PLEASE NOTE:

Budget Presentation immediately following today’s Worship.

Donations for poinsettias to decorate our pulpit area are now being accepted and are greatly appreciated. Contributions may be placed in the offering plate clearly marked for this purpose.

~WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP UPDATE~

Last Sunday’s offering of $2,193 fell far below the weekly minimum of $3,000 necessary to cover daily operating expenses! Everyone is encouraged to “double up” on their giving if they miss a Sunday, and Stewardship Ministry asks that each of us give prayerful consideration to how we might adjust our giving to keep income at a level sufficient to meet expenses.

In light of the abundance with which the Lord has blessed us,

let us continue, as his faithful stewards, to be ever mindful of the need

to maintain a weekly offering sufficient to cover our commitments.

~KRC SANCTUARY DECORATION THIS COMING TUESDAY~

Decorating the church for the Christmas Season will be done beginning at 9:30 am THIS COMING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, under the direction of Jim and Bonnie Dunham. All are invited to offer their services to the ministry of beautifying our sanctuary in celebration of the birth of our Lord.

~CCRM MEN’S and WOMEN’S GIFTS DUE NEXT SUNDAY~

LET’S SHARE OUR BLESSINGS and bring some warmth and caring to many who might not otherwise have much “Holiday Cheer”. KRC is again collecting gifts for homeless men, and Capital City Rescue Mission will distribute these gifts at the Mission’s community Christmas dinners. In a gallon-size zip lock bag, place the following 5 items: (1) two new pairs men’s warm socks; (2) one knitted hat; (3) one pair of LG or XLG mittens or gloves – no MEDIUM please; (4) a personal care item or pair of items such as toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shaving gel/razor, nail clipper; (5) a non-perishable snack or treat that will not crush or melt - no peanuts or chocolate, please. Wrap with festive paper (NO BOWS), tape securely, and mark LG or XLG on the outside of package.

For the women, CCRM has suggested that we send “colorful, cozy, fuzzy” non-skid slipper socks, a fun yet practical gift for the ladies housed at the mission. These socks are not readily found in the local stores, but are available online at very reasonable prices and free shipping. If you would like to contribute to this gift idea, make checks payable to Kinderhook Reformed Church, with “Slipper Socks” in the memo line, and the church will purchase the socks online using your contributions.

RETURN ALL CCRM MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GIFTS TO THE CHURCH COLLECTION BOXES BY NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6.

ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAM~

The Angel Tree Program, founded by ex-convict, Mary Kay Beard, has been part of Prison Fellowship's work for 34 years. This ministry has served millions of children and brought the love of Christ, as well as reconciliation, to countless homes during the Christmas season.

GIFT NEEDS FOR ANGEL TREE’S CHILDREN OF PRISONERS WILL BE DISPLAYED ON ANGEL CUT-OUTS ON A CHRISTMAS TREE IN THE CHURCH’S MAIN ENTRANCE BEGINNING TODAY. Each angel will contain very specific age, size, and gift-request information for a particular child to assist donors as they gift-shop. Please consider taking an angel when the tree goes up. Your gifts, which will be due at the church on Sunday, December 13, will bring Christmas joy to those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Volunteers will also be needed to participate in the delivery of the gifts to local Angel Tree families. Please see Sara Hartman at church, or call 828-6368 or 917-538-6576, if you would be willing to participate in the gift-delivery ministry.

~REFORMED CHURCH AT MUITZESKILL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR~

The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill invites you to visit its annual Christmas Bazaar this coming Saturday, December 5th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church is located at the intersection of Schodack Landing Road and Muitzeskill Road in Schodack Landing. The Christmas Bazaar will include new and gently-used Christmas decorations, cards, gifts, and books, as well as a luncheon cafe and a bake sale. We look forward to seeing you there!

~CANDLELIGHT NIGHT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11~

KRC will sponsor its annual Candlelight Night Open House 6 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 11, in conjunction with Kinderhook Village’s Candlelight Walk celebration. KRC’s Open House will feature tours of our beautiful sanctuary - decorated with lighted garlands, candles, poinsettias, the lovely Chrismon tree, and the nearly-life-size Fontanini Nativity - together with Christmas music, cookie decorating, refreshments, and community fellowship in the Fellowship Room. Volunteers to assist, as well as donations of buffet items and Christmas paper products, will be much appreciated. Please watch for a sign-up sheet on the back table in the near future, but feel free to contact a member of the Outreach Ministry if you are able to help with this ministry.

~6th ANNUAL LESSONS AND CAROLS 4 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20~

Directed by David Smith, Lessons and Carols is a worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus, and will be presented at 4 p.m. Sunday, December 20, at KRC. A Christmas gift to our community from the KRC family, Lessons and Carols is open to all. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus are told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, along with choir music and the singing of Christmas carols and hymns. The first Lessons and Carols was held on Christmas Eve, 1918, at King's College, Cambridge, England, and has been broadcast from there by the BBC to millions of listeners around the world each Christmas Eve since 1931. The order of worship was adapted from an order prepared 38 years earlier by Edward White Benson, Bishop of Truro. Tradition says that the bishop organized a 10 pm service in Cornwall on Christmas Eve, 1880, in a temporary wooden shed serving as his cathedral.

HAPPY NOVEMBER B IRTHDAY!

Fred Hickman (3rd), Ted Call (11th), Joy Bertram (14th),

Claudia March (22nd), Joan Van Alstyne (26th)

KRC family and friends are asked to volunteer as front-door greeters for our

10 am worship services. Please sign up on the sheet available at the back table.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS OUR MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES

Dave and Char Alexander, RCA missionaries, Taiwan;

Alight Pregnancy Center, Hudson

Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany

Compassion International, KRC-Sponsored Children:

Evelin Chuquinia, 15, Bolivia Giulbert Muguna, 18, Kenya

Alex and Fran Knauss, Trans-World Radio

Maureen Menard, Youth with a Mission

Dick and Carolyn Otterness, RCA missionaries, Hungary

Brian and Bea Post, Wycliffe Bible Translators

Seth and Melissa Rogati, missionaries, Young Life Ministry, St. Thomas

Betty Ann Stedwell, Christar International Mission

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith. Pray especially for Amber, that she will come to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Pray also that God will provide opportunities for us to witness for Jesus, and give us the courage and winsome words needed to make the most of these opportunities

our state, national, and world leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.

our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace, especially Jason, just beginning his military career.

victims world-wide suffering natural and other hardships and tragedies: earthquakes, famine, and other climate-related disasters; economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression and unrest.

others grieving the death of loved ones, especially the family of Paul and AnnaMarie Zietzman grieving the recent death of Paul’s father in South Africa.

those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world.

Charles Spaulding, uncle of Michael Spaulding. Charles is in Cooperstown Hospital with congestive heart failure and kidney failure and undergoing dialysis. Keep in your prayers Charles's family as well at this difficult time.

Jane Smith, suffering chronic severe back and leg pain. Jane is quite discouraged at the prognosis from her doctor that nothing more can be done to relieve her discomfort. The recent anniversary of her husband Ken's death has also been difficult for Jane. Please pray that she will know God's presence, comfort, and reassurance.

Doris Schmeider, mother of Claudia March, who suffered a stroke last Sunday. Please also keep Doris’s family in your prayers at this uncertain time.

Harry Sturgill, incarcerated during this holiday season. Please pray that his case will find justice and he will be reunited with his family.Tom Eastman, as he transitions from military service to civilian life.

Gary Silvano, Dick Silvano’s brother, awaiting a heart transplant.

Stacey Baker, whose doctors say she is facing several more months of recovery from a serious concussion suffered last March.

reassurance, peace, and dignity for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life.

those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.

those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Cliff Laraway; the alarming wave of new, young heroin addicts; those facing the challenges of beginning a higher level of education or seeking a career - pray that God will provide them with wisdom in making the many choices and decisions before them; Greg L; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little.

Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists, especially those whose names are in bold type. Please forward this information, as well as new praise/prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call 859-4158.

REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR

Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.

those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.

the good report that Linda, co-worker of Noreen Dick and Merrill Johnson, is recovering well from recent health issues.

the happy news that Vicki Metzger, 96, mother of Nancy Baker, is doing extremely well following recovery from recent health issues.

all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.

the many dedicated and hard-working friends and members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church Family who serve on Consistory, ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize and special events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who always offer whatever support they can to those in need.

Classis Assessment contributions are divided three ways, with portions going to the General Synod (national), Albany Synod (regional), and Columbia-Greene Classis (local). The 2016 assessment will be $88.02, and will be distributed as follows:

General Synod: $53.71 (Up $1.98 from 2015)

Albany Synod: $29.00 (Unchanged from 2015)

C. G. Classis: $ 6.22 (Down $1.07 from 2015)

2016 TOTAL $88.93 (Up $0.91 from 2014)

General Synod will use its share of assessed funds to pay for a Special Council on issues related to sexual orientation, support for denominational ministries, theological education, the Board of Benefits Services assistance program, and other Synod-approved initiatives. Albany Synod’s portion is used to cover administrative and Camp Fowler expenses, as well as services to our congregation, including grants, leadership development, library/video resources, and crisis management. Classis’s share is used to cover administrative costs and retreats.